Just off the 535, not far from Crossroads, is Lake Buena Vista Water sports.   Whether there are just a couple of you, or a big crowd, you can have a fabulous day out here.

Set on a beautiful lake, it has a great area with Adirondack chairs set out on the beach, shade provided by huge Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. 

We first found Dave and Angie some 20 years ago.  Dave taught me how to ski 18 years ago, when he ran Dave’s Ski School – you put ski’s on, he lifted you up under his trick ski, and helped you balance until you were up and running – then you got an action photo, and you were on your way!

Things have moved on since then, for the better.  Now they have a tasty array of ski boats, and Jet Skis.  You can hire a boat by the hour, afternoon, or day. You can hire the whole place for a wedding also, and what a magical setting it would be.

With the boat, you get all the lifejackets and skis you need and a friendly driver who will teach you how to get up on skis, or give the more experienced a tow. My husband is an experienced Mono skier and loves it. A tow round on a flat warm lake, warm air blowing around you, and no wet suit required is exhilarating.

You can sit in the boat as an observer, taking photos and video, whilst topping the tan up nicely, or stay on the beach and watch it all from a distance, glass in one hand, ice cream in the other.  My son used to bring his fishing rod too, and has caught some good size fish there.

Combine it with an hour on the Jet skis, a swim in the 90 degree clear water or a drag round the lake on inflatables, and you have all ages and all abilities covered.   I think I prefer going in the morning, as once or twice we have had to dive for cover under the cabana from an afternoon storm. 

My big tip going there is to take a camera, some pool towels, sun block, sunglasses and a good book. If taking young children, pack their favourite drinks, and a bucket and spade.

SAMMY DUVALL’S WATERSPORTS CENTRE

There is new water ski park at WDW Contemporary Resort, I have had friends who have just done a water ski experience, they had a professional ski boat and driver, (tuition is available for the ‘never ever’ skier) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

You can do many water activities such as waterboard, kneeboard, slalom ski on a petition caliber slalom course with water ski Champion Jodi fisher or parasailing or hire a personal watercraft. Guided excursions on Disney’s Bay Lake and Seven Seas lagoon are also available throughout the day, call 407-WDW-PLAY.

My friends then went on to visit the Sammy Duvall ‘In the Wake’ shop at Windermere, a Watersports Centre and pro shop, where they spent a small fortune, then bought a case to bring back their great finds, but said Windermere is worth the drive as it is a lovely area just to visit and the journey is a scenic short drive.

WWW.SAMMYDUVALL.COM CONTEMPORARY MARINA  is open daily at the WDW Contemporary resort marina, you can hire a Sea Raycer, a Montauk Boston Whaler, a 21” Sun Tracker Pontoon or have a guided Bass Fishing Excursion, or use Zebco equipment with live bait on  2 hours trip or kids can go fishing ‘Around The World’, there is also a speciality firework cruise – call 407-WDW-PLAY.   TRY IT AND LET ME KNOW HOW YOU DO – the last time I water skied I could not walk for 2 days!!!!

Update - after my friends experience we decided to go as a family this summer, we hired a speed boat with driver, ski’s and very large saucer shaped ringoes.   

My youngest son water skied first and was very impressive (he does a little at home), my middle son then had a turn (a never ever skier) and to our amasement got straight up, he looked a little bent and wobbled a bit but within minutes was waving and showing off!!

Then it was my turn the last time I skied was about 16 years ago, I could get up on my ski’s but could not quite get straight up but I had a good go.

My husband was next - after 3 attempts and continuous nose skiing  gave in.

We all then took turns on the ringos and had a great time, my 2 sons where flying in the air and having a great time.

A great afternoon out!

Cindy & Family